NHL suspends Stars' Avery for six games

NEW YORK, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Dallas Stars forward Sean Avery was suspended by the NHL for six games for comments he made about his former girlfriend and another player.

Avery, 28, had been suspended indefinitely by the league following his statements Tuesday regarding Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf and Elisha Cuthbert. On Friday, league officials defined the penalty.

The NHL cited provisions of its constitution regarding conduct detrimental to the league in justifying the suspension.

In addition to the suspension, which is without pay, Avery has agreed to undergo a professional anger-management evaluation.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told NHL.com: "Mr. Avery has expressed remorse for his recent comments and has sought a professional anger management evaluation. I will require that he follow through with that process as a condition of his returning to the ice, and that he complies with any and all recommendations."

With the suspension retroactive to Tuesday, Avery could rejoin the Stars for their Dec. 16 games against Phoenix.

Avery has three goals and seven assists, along with 77 penalty minutes, in 23 games this season.